U.S. patent number 8,950,808 [Application Number 14/281,396] was granted by the patent office on 2015-02-10 for stowable baby seat and methods.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The Boppy Company, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is The Boppy Company, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul Fair, Jamie Kummerfeld.
United States Patent |
8,950,808 |
Kummerfeld , et al. |
February 10, 2015 |
Stowable baby seat and methods
Abstract
An infant chair includes a frame having a seat portion and a
base portion that are pivotally connected to each other so as to be
movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A
locking mechanism is operable to lock the frame in the expanded
position. Further, a cover is configured to substantially cover the
frame.
Inventors: |
Kummerfeld; Jamie (Wheat Ridge,
CO), Fair; Paul (Denver, CO) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Boppy Company, LLC |
Golden |
CO |
US |
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Assignee: |
The Boppy Company, LLC (Golden,
CO)
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Family
ID: |
47752562 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/281,396 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20140339862 A1 |
Nov 20, 2014 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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13564617 |
Aug 1, 2012 |
8764109 |
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61531536 |
Sep 6, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/250.1;
297/440.12; 297/255; 297/219.12; 297/174CS; 297/174R; 297/270.2;
297/452.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D
1/002 (20130101); A47D 1/103 (20130101); A47D
1/02 (20130101); A47D 1/0085 (20170501) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
1/08 (20060101); A47D 1/10 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;297/296,270.2,188.2,452.13,250.1,16.1,16.2,255,440.12,174R,174CS,219.1,DIG.11,270.5,219.12
;D6/333,361 ;5/655 ;4/572.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Chi Q
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 13/564,617, filed
Aug. 1, 2012 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,109), which is a
continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/531,536, filed on Sep. 6, 2011, the complete
disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A baby seat, comprising: a frame and a padded cover disposed
about the frame, wherein the frame is movable between an expanded
sitting position and a collapsed position, wherein the frame and
cover define a seat, a back and two arms when in the sitting
position; a horn that protrudes from the seat so as to extend up
between a baby's legs when sitting in the seat; and a tray having a
neck that is removably coupleable to the horn.
2. A seat as in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a seat portion
and a base portion that are pivotally connected to each other so as
to be movable between the expanded sitting position and the
collapsed position, and wherein the base portion is configured to
rest on a support surface.
3. A seat as in claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism
that is operable to lock the frame in the expanded position.
4. A seat as in claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a
top member that is coupled to a bottom member by a hinge and a
tooth that extends from the bottom member to engage the top member
when in the expanded position.
5. A seat as in claim 4, wherein the tooth is retractable to
disengage the tooth from the top member to permit the locking
member to pivot about the hinge.
6. A seat as in claim 5, further comprising a tether that is
operably coupled to the tooth, wherein the tether is pullable to
disengage the tooth.
7. A seat as in claim 1, wherein the horn includes at least one
groove, and wherein the neck has a protrusion that is slidable
within the groove.
8. A seat as in claim 7, wherein the tray includes a latch to
engage the horn.
9. A seat as in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises curved
elongate members that define an outer shape of the chair.
10. A seat as in claim 1, wherein the cover further includes an
elastic bottom that is configured to constrict about the frame.
11. A seat as in claim 1, wherein the cover further includes a
bottom and at least one connector near the bottom to couple the
cover to the frame.
12. A seat as in claim 1, further comprising a restraint system
coupled to the cover that is adapted to hold a baby within the
seat.
13. A baby seat, comprising: a frame and a padded cover disposed
about the frame, wherein the frame is movable between an expanded
sitting position and a collapsed position, and wherein the frame
and cover define a seat, a back and two arms when the seat is in
the expanded sitting position; and a horn that protrudes from the
seat so as to extend up between a baby's legs when sitting in the
seat, wherein the horn includes a feature that is configured to
couple a tray to the horn.
14. A seat as in claim 13, wherein the feature on the horn includes
at least one groove, and wherein the neck has a protrusion that is
slidable within the groove.
15. A seat as in claim 14, wherein the tray includes a latch to
engage the horn.
16. A seat as in claim 13, wherein the frame comprises a seat
portion and a base portion that are pivotally connected to each
other so as to be movable between the expanded sitting position and
the collapsed position, and wherein the base portion is configured
to rest on a support surface.
17. A seat as in claim 16, further comprising a locking mechanism
that is operable to lock the frame in the expanded position.
18. A baby seat, comprising: a collapsible frame; a cover that
slips over the frame to define a generally horizontal seat portion
and a curved, generally vertical portion that defines two arms and
a backrest; a horn that protrudes from the seat portion so as to
extend up between a baby's legs when sitting in the seat portion;
and a tray having a neck that is removably coupleable to the
horn.
19. A seat as in claim 18, wherein the tray includes a latch to
engage the horn.
20. A seat as in claim 18, wherein the frame comprises two sections
that are pivotally connected to each other so as to be movable
between an expanded sitting position and a collapsed position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of chairs. In
particular, the invention relates to chairs suitable for use with
infants and small children.
Parents have long sought for ways to hold their infants or small
children, especially when they reach the age where they are able to
sit upright. For example, it is often convenient to prop up a baby
during feeding. While numerous baby chairs are currently on the
market, there is still a need for chairs to accommodate the needs
of both parents and infants. As such, the invention provides
various embodiments of infant chairs that are convenient to use,
transport and store, as well as providing a comfortable sitting
environment for the infant.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the invention provides a chair that comprises a
frame having a seat portion and a base portion that are pivotally
connected to each other so as to be movable between an expanded
position and a collapsed position. A locking mechanism is operable
to lock the frame in the expanded position. A cover is configured
to substantially cover the frame and has a curved back, two side
arms, and a seat. In some embodiments, the cover may further
include an exterior and an interior, and the interior includes a
slotted region that extends along the arms and the curved back to
receive at least some of the seat portion of the frame. Also, the
seat of the cover is suspended by the seat portion of the
frame.
In one aspect, a horn is coupled to the seat portion of the frame
and is configured to be positioned between a baby's legs. In some
cases, the horn may be incorporated into the cover so as to be
positioned between a baby's legs. In another aspect, a tray is
provided and is designed to be coupled to the horn. The tray may
include a latch to engage the horn.
In a further aspect, the frame comprises curved elongate members
that define an outer shape of the chair. These elongate members may
be tubular in geometry and may be constructed of a material such as
metal or plastic.
In some cases, the cover may further include an elastic bottom that
is configured to constrict about the frame. This may permit the
cover to be removable. In other aspects, the cover may include a
bottom and at least one connector near the bottom to couple the
cover to the frame. Optionally, a restraint system may be coupled
to the cover and may be used to hold a baby within the chair.
The locking mechanism may comprise a top member that is coupled to
a bottom member by a hinge and a spring loaded tooth that extends
from the bottom member to engage the top member when in the
expanded position. In this way, the tooth is retractable to
disengage the tooth from the top member to permit the locking
member to pivot about the hinge. In some cases, a tether may be
operably coupled to the tooth and may be pulled to disengage the
tooth. Also, a pull member may be coupled to the cover at the back
and may be pulled to facilitate movement to the collapsed
position.
In one particular aspect, the horn may include at least one groove,
and the tray may include at least one protrusion to slide within
the groove. Also, a removable padding member may be provided and
positioned on the seat and adjacent the back to facilitate holding
of a baby in the seat. Further, at least one strap may be coupled
to the cover and used to strap the chair to a surface.
Conveniently, the cover may include a pocket for holding the
strap.
In still another aspect, a pair of coupling members may pivotally
couple the seat portion to the base portion.
In a further embodiment, the invention provides a chair that
comprises a frame having a seat portion and a base portion that are
pivotally connected to each other so as to be movable between an
expanded or extended position and a collapsed position. Also, the
frame has a front and a back. A locking mechanism is operable to
lock the frame in the expanded position. The locking mechanism is
positioned at the back of the frame and is coupled at a top end to
the seat portion and at a bottom end to the base portion. The
locking mechanism also includes a hinge that permits the locking
mechanism to pivot when the frame is moved from the extended
position to the collapsed position. A cover is also positioned
about the frame. Such a chair may be reconfigured by operating the
locking mechanism to cause the locking mechanism to pivot about a
hinge to move the frame from the expanded position to the collapsed
position.
The invention further provides various embodiments of chairs, as
well as methods for assembling and using such chairs. For example,
one embodiment of a baby chair comprises a frame having a seat
portion and a base portion that are pivotally connected to each
other so as to be movable between an expanded position and a
collapsed position. A locking mechanism is operable to lock the
frame in the expanded position. Further, a removable slipcover is
configured to substantially cover the frame. The slipcover has a
curved back, two curved side arms, and a seat, as well as an
exterior and an interior. The interior includes a slotted region
that extends along the curved arms and curved back to receive the
seat portion of the frame. In this way, the chair may be assembled
simply by manipulating the frame until locked into the extended
position and then placing the slipcover over the frame. To place
the chair in the collapsed position (such as when travelling or
storing the chair), access is gained to the locking mechanism and
the frame is folded to the collapsed position. The slipcover may
remain over the frame when folding the chair. When needed, the
slipcover may optionally be removed from the frame and the locking
mechanism operated to permit the frame to be placed in the
collapsed position. When disassembled, the cover may also be easily
washed, such as in a washing machine.
In one aspect, the seat of the slipcover is suspended by the seat
portion of the frame. Also, a rigid seat member may be incorporated
into the seat.
In another aspect, a horn may be coupled to the seat portion of the
frame so as to be positioned between an infant's legs. In some
cases, a removable a tray may be coupled to the horn.
The frame may comprise curved elongate members that define an outer
shape of the chair. For example, the frame may be constructed of
rigid tubing or rods.
In another aspect, the slipcover further includes an elastic bottom
that is configured to constrict about the frame. Further, a
restraint system may be coupled to the slipcover that is adapted to
hold an infant within the chair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of one embodiment of a chair
according to the invention, with the chair being shown holding a
baby.
FIG. 2 illustrates the chair of FIG. 1 with a tray and padding
member being removed.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the chair of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the chair of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the chair of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a rear view of the chair of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the chair of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 illustrates the chair of FIG. 1 secured to an adult
chair.
FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the chair of FIG. 1 with a
bottom panel partially removed to show the interior of the
chair.
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the chair of FIG. 1 showing pockets for
holding a set of securing straps.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the chair of FIG. 1 shown in the
collapsed position.
FIG. 12 illustrates the chair of FIG. 11 with the cover
removed.
FIG. 13 illustrates the chair of FIG. 1 with the cover removed.
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the chair of FIG. 13.
FIG. 14A is a more detailed view of a latching mechanism of the
tray of FIG. 14.
FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional side view of the latching mechanism
of FIG. 14A when coupled to the horn.
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a locking mechanism of the chair of
FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a chair
according to the invention.
FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the chair of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a perspective side view of the chair of FIG. 16 where
the slipcover is nearly removed.
FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a frame of the chair of FIG.
16.
FIG. 20 illustrates a locking mechanism of the frame of FIG.
19.
FIG. 21 illustrates the frame of FIG. 19 being moved to a collapsed
position.
FIG. 22 illustrates the frame of FIG. 19 in the fully collapsed
position.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a chair
frame according to the invention.
FIG. 24 is a front view of the frame of FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 23 shown in the
collapsed position.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a
seat.
FIG. 27 illustrates the seat of FIG. 26 with a tray.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In certain embodiments, infant chairs may be constructed of a frame
and a cover that is positioned over the frame. Conveniently, the
frame may be movable between an expanded position and a collapsed
position for easy transport and storing. A locking mechanism may be
used to lock the frame in the expanded position.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, one embodiment of a chair 10 that is
particularly well suited for holding a baby will be described.
Chair 10 is constructed generally of a flexible fabric cover 12
that is placed over an internal frame 14 (see FIGS. 12-14). As
shown in FIG. 1, chair 10 is in an expanded or extended
configuration to provide a convenient sitting area for holding a
baby 15. Chair 10 is particularly well suited for holding babies up
to about nine months, and more typically up to about six months in
age. However, in some cases, chair 10 could be constructed to hold
larger babies or children.
For convenience of discussion, chair 10 may be defined in terms of
a curved back 16 and two side arms 18 and 20. Chair 10 is designed
so that the baby's back is positioned against back 16 while side
arms 18 and 20 rest near the sides of the baby to provide support
not only to the baby's back but also to the baby's sides so that
the baby does not tip from side to side. Optionally, a removable
padded member 22 may be placed against back 16 and side arms 18 and
20 to provide additional support and comfort to the baby. Another
particular advantage of padded member 22 is that it may be used
when the baby is younger and therefore smaller in size. In this
way, padded member 22 helps stabilize the baby while sitting up. As
the baby grows and becomes larger, the padded member 22 may be
removed. In this way, the usable life of chair 10 may be extended
by simply removing padded member 22 so that the sitting area of
chair 10 is larger in size.
As best shown in FIG. 2, chair 10 includes a seat 24 that is
positioned at the base of back 16 and side arms 18 and 20.
Generally, back 16 and side arms 18 and 20 will be perpendicular
relative to seat 24. However, in some cases, back 16 and side arms
18 and 20 could be slightly angled outward relative to seat 24. A
horn 26 extends upward from the front edge of seat 24 and provides
a variety of functions. One advantage of horn 26 is that it rests
between the baby's legs while the baby is in the sitting position
shown in FIG. 1. In this way, horn 26 serves as a safety mechanism
to prevent the baby from sliding off of the edge of seat 24. Horn
26 also provides a platform for holding items such as a tray 28 or
other devices that may be coupled to the horn, such as toys, infant
accessory items, and the like. When tray 28 is coupled to horn 26
as shown in FIG. 1, tray 28 also helps to hold the baby in the
upright position and to prevent the baby from falling forward out
of seat 24.
As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, cover 12 may include a bottom panel
30 that covers the bottom of chair 10. Panel 30 may be partially or
fully removable from cover 12 to expose the interior of cover 12.
For example, a fastening mechanism, such as a zipper, a
hook-and-loop fastener material, ties, clips, buttons, or the like
may be used to hold bottom panel 30 in place as shown in FIG. 7.
The fastener mechanism may be operated to permit bottom panel 30 to
be pulled or peeled away as illustrated in FIG. 9, thereby exposing
the interior of cover 12. In some cases, bottom panel 30 may also
include one or more pockets 32 that may optionally be used to store
one or more securing straps 34 and 36. As best shown in FIG. 8,
straps 34 may be placed around the back and/or underneath the seat
of a traditional or adult chair 38 while straps 36 may be placed
around the back and/or underneath the seat of chair 38 so that
chair 10 is coupled to chair 38 at two locations. In this way, a
traditional or an adult type chair may be converted for use with a
baby by simply permitting chair 10 to be coupled to chair 38 in the
manner shown. Although shown coupled to an adult chair, it will be
appreciated that chair 10 may be coupled to or rest upon a variety
of other objects or surfaces, such as on the bare ground, on the
floor, on other types of chairs, and the like. When straps 34 and
36 are not in use (such as when chair 10 is placed on the floor),
straps 34 and 36 may be tucked into pockets 32 so that they are
conveniently stored. Straps 34 and 36 may comprise a variety of
materials, such as nylon webbing, ties, laces, elastomers, and the
like. One or more fasteners may also be used to connect the straps
together.
One particularly convenient feature of chair 10 is that it may be
easily placed in a collapsed position (see FIG. 11) when chair 10
is transported or otherwise stored. Moving chair 10 from the
extended position to the collapsed position may be easily
accomplished by pulling on a tether 40 which operates an internal
locking mechanism and allows the chair 10 to be moved from the
extended configuration shown in FIG. 1 to the collapsed
configuration of FIG. 11. When chair 10 is to be placed in the
extended position, the user may grasp a pull tab 42 on the back of
chair 10 and pull outward while lifting on the top of chair 10 to
move it back into the extended position where it will be locked
into place as described in greater detail hereinafter. As shown,
tab 42 is in the shape of a fabric loop. However, it will be
appreciated that other types of pull mechanisms may be provided,
including fabric sections, other loops, strings, and the like.
Referring also now to FIGS. 12-14, frame 14 will be described in
greater detail. Frame 14 is constructed of various components that
are combined together using various hinged or pivotal connections
in order to permit the chair to easily move from the extended to
the collapsed position as previously described. For example, frame
14 may be conveniently described in terms of a base portion 44 and
a seat portion 46. Base portion 44 is constructed of one or more
tubular members, such as metal tubing, that form a generally "U"
shape. Base portion 44 is intended to rest on the ground or other
support surface. In this way, base portion 44 provides general
stability to the chair 10 when resting upon a support surface. Seat
portion 46 is pivotally coupled to base portion 44 using pivotal
connectors 48 and 50. Pivot pins 52 extend through openings in
pivotal connectors 48 and 50 as well as through base portion 44 to
permit pivotal connectors 48 and 50 to rotate relative to base
portion 44 when moved to the collapsed position as best illustrated
in FIG. 12. Pivotal connectors 48 and 50 also each include a groove
54 into which seat portion 46 is press fit to secure pivotal
connectors 48 and 50 to seat portion 46. In turn, seat portion 46
may include bottom sections 56 and 58 that slide within grooves 54
to secure them to pivotal connectors 48 and 50. Bottom sections 56
and 58 are also designed to rest upon a support surface to help
provide stability to seat portion 46.
Seat portion 46 may also be constructed of various lengths of
tubing, such as metal tubing, that form the framework for back 16
and side arms 18 and 20. In some cases, the tubing may be of
different diameters so that one length of tubing may be inserted
into another length of tubing as shown in FIG. 14. Further, seat
portion 46 may include a center section 60 that extends vertically
upward from bottom sections 56 and 58. Center section 60 is
designed to hold horn 26 in place. Also, it will be appreciated
that any of the other frames described herein could be used with
chair 10.
Cover 12 is designed so that it will fit over frame 14, with seat
portion 46 serving as the framework which holds seat 24 in place.
More specifically, cover 12 may include slotted regions in the
areas of side arms 18 and 20 and back 16 into which seat portion 46
slides. This in turn permits seat 24 to be suspended from frame 14.
Conveniently, a seat member 62 may be coupled to seat 24 to provide
additional structural stability to seat 24. For example, seat
member 62 may be held within a fabric pocket of seat 24 to hold it
in place. However, other techniques may be used to couple seat
member 62 to seat 24, such as by using tacks, rivets, glue,
flanges, and the like. Seat member 62 may be constructed of a
relatively thin and rigid material, such as fiberboard, masonite,
wood, plastic (corrugated, fluted or the like), a composite, or the
like. Seat member 62 may also include a recessed region 64 to
permit seat member 62 to fit around horn 26. In some cases, cover
12 may be constructed similar to the other embodiments of covers
described herein.
Cover 12 may be sized so that the bottom of cover 12 fits around
base portion 44 and bottom sections 56 and 58 of seat portion 46 as
best illustrated in FIG. 9. Cover 12 can include one or more
connectors 66 that fit around base portion 44 to hold cover 12
securely in place about frame 14. Connectors 66 may comprise any
one of a variety of connectors, such as fabric loops, flanges,
clips, and the like that may be strategically placed about base
portion 44 and bottom sections 56 and 58. In some cases, the bottom
of cover 12 could include an elastic material that is sewn to the
cover which permits the cover to cinch itself about frame 14. Also,
cover 12 may be designed so that it is not intended to be removed
by the user. However, in some cases (and as also described with
other embodiments), cover 12 may be configured to be removable from
frame 14 for easy washing. In some cases, cover 12 may be
constructed of a fabric material that is wipeable so that it may be
easily cleaned from stains or other materials, such as food, that
come into contact with cover 12. Wipeable fabrics may be
constructed of a fabric with a laminate or coating that is water
repellant or waterproof. For example, the fabric could be a cotton
blend with a plastic laminate or other waterproof coating. Friction
pads 67 (or other friction materials) may be included on the bottom
of cover 12 to help prevent chair from slipping on a support
surface.
In some cases, a padding material may be placed or wrapped around
seat portion 46 of frame 14 to provide additional padding or
comfort to the user. Examples of padding materials that may be
included about frame 14 include foamed materials, rubber, fabrics
and the like. For example, foam padding of about 0.5 inch thickness
may be placed about the metal tubes forming seat portion 46. As
another option, various types of padding materials may be included
within cover 12. This may be as an alternative or in addition to
the padding provided about frame 14. For example, additional
padding may be provided in seat 24, along back 16 and/or along side
arms 18 and 20. Examples of padding materials that may be used in
cover 12 include additional fabric, fiber filled materials, fiber
balls, gels, foams, and the like. As still another option, various
padding materials may be included about the portion of seat 24 that
rests over horn 26. In this way, the area between the baby's legs
may come into contact with a padding material rather than the horn
itself.
As best shown in FIGS. 14, 14A and 14B, horn 26 includes a pair of
slots 70 and 72 that are positioned at the front of horn 26. Slot
70 is an outer slot while slot 72 is an inner slot. Extending from
the bottom of tray 28 is a neck 74 which includes a latch 76. Neck
74 may be coupled to tray 28 by inserting it into a raised feature
78 on the bottom of tray 28 as best shown in FIG. 14A. Latch 76 may
comprise a piece of rigid plastic that is screwed or otherwise
attached to neck 74. In this way, latch 76 is resilient in the
lateral direction and is generally biased toward the right as shown
in FIG. 14A. In this manner, tray 28 may be coupled to horn 26 by
inserting rails 79 on neck 74 into outer slots 70. In so doing,
latch 76 is moved toward the left as it slides over the front
surface of horn 26. When fully inserted, latch 76 slips over the
edge of horn 26 and locks within outer slot 70 as illustrated in
FIG. 14B. Latch 76 therefore locks neck 74 to horn 26, thereby
preventing removal of tray 28. To remove tray 28, a finger is
placed beneath latch 76 and it is pulled outward until it
disengages from outer slot 70. Tray 28 then may be pulled upward to
slide rails 79 from slots 72. Inner slots 72 may be used to couple
the fabric of the cover (or other covering fabric) to horn 26.
As best shown in FIG. 3, chair 10 may also include a restraint
system 120 that may be secured about the baby to further secure the
baby within chair 10. Restraint system 120 may comprise a loop 122
that extends from the base of horn 26. Extending through loop 122
is a strap 124 which is coupled to another strap 126 using a
connector 128. Connector 128 may comprise a clip that easily
permits strap 124 and/or 126 to be uncoupled from each other by
simply pushing resilient fingers on the ends of the straps to
remove them from the clip housing. In use, a baby is placed within
seat 24, with horn 26 positioned between the baby's legs. Loop 122
is also positioned between the user's leg and strap 126 is placed
through loop 122 and then coupled to strap 126 using connector 128.
Various length adjustment mechanisms may be provided on loop 122 or
straps 124 and 126 to adjust their length so that the restraint
system 120 may be modified based on the baby's size.
To lock chair 10 in the extended position, a locking mechanism 80
is employed. Locking mechanism 80 is shown in greater detail in
FIG. 15. For convenience of discussion, locking mechanism 80 may be
defined in terms of an upper member 82 and a lower member 84. Upper
member 82 includes a through hole 86 while lower member 84 also
includes a through hole 88. This permits locking mechanism 80 to be
pivotally coupled to seat portion 46 and base portion 44 by
positioning the metal tubes through holes 86 and 88 as best shown
in FIG. 13 (which is in the extended position). Upper member 82 may
be formed of pieces 90 and 92, while lower member 84 may be
constructed of pieces 94 and 96 as illustrated in FIG. 15. Each of
pieces 90-96 includes a semicircular opening that forms holes 86
and 88 when pieces 90 and 92 are joined and pieces 94 and 96 are
joined.
Locking mechanism 80 also includes a hinge 98 that is constructed
of a cylindrical member 100 on piece 94 and a pair of circular arms
102 and 104 that extend from piece 90. Arms 102 and 104 fit on
either side of cylindrical member 100. Further, a bolt or pin 106
(see FIG. 13) is placed between arms 106 and cylindrical member 100
to provide the pivotal connection for hinge 98. When assembled,
upper member 82 may pivot relative to lower member 84. As locking
mechanism 80 pivots, piece 90 moves in a direction toward piece 94.
Locking mechanism 80 is designed so that it may not rotate in the
opposite direction.
Locking mechanism 80 further includes a tooth 108 that slides
within piece 96. A spring (not shown) may sit between the bottom of
tooth 108 and projections 110 in piece 96 so that tooth 108 is
spring loaded within lower member 84. In this way, tooth 108 will
project into a central opening within upper member 82 by virtue of
the bias provided by the spring. When tooth 108 is within upper
member 82, locking mechanism 80 is in the locked position shown in
FIG. 13 (which also corresponds to the extended position of chair
10). In order to pivot locking mechanism 80 about hinge 98, tooth
108 needs to be pulled within lower member 84 to compress the
spring. This will remove tooth 108 from upper member 82 and permit
locking mechanism 80 to pivot about hinge 98 so that the chair may
be moved to the compressed position as illustrated in FIG. 12. To
retract tooth 108 within lower member 84, tether 40 (which may be
coupled to tooth 108) may be pulled downward. Piece 94 includes a
window 112 through which a projection 114 on tooth 108 is
positioned. This permits tether 40 to be coupled to projection 114
so that tether 40 may be pulled to slide tooth 108 further in lower
member 84 to operate locking mechanism 80 and permit it to pivot
about hinge 98. Tether 40 may extend beyond cover 12 for easy
access. Or, bottom panel 30 could be pulled back to gain access to
tether 40. Other mechanisms may also be used to operate tooth 108.
further, chair 10 could include the locking mechanisms of any of
the other embodiments described herein.
Hence, when chair 10 is ready to be placed in the collapsed
position, a user may simply pull tether 40 downward to slide tooth
108 further within lower member 84 to free it from upper member 82.
Seat portion 46 may then pivot relative to base portion 44 by
virtue of pivot pins 52 until in the collapsed position shown in
FIG. 12. When in the collapsed position, seat portion 46 is in the
vicinity of base portion 44 to minimize the overall size and bulk
of chair 10. FIG. 11 illustrates chair 10 in the collapsed position
with cover 12 covering the frame. As an example, the height of
chair 10 may be reduced by about half to about two-thirds of its
original height. Optionally, a tote bag or other cover may be
placed about chair 10 to facilitate easy transport. Optionally, a
fabric handle could also be included on the back of the cover to
facilitate carrying of the chair. When chair 10 is to be used, it
may be placed in the extended position simply by pulling up on seat
portion 46 at back 16 while holding base portion 44 steady. If
needed, tab 42 may be pulled in order to facilitate straightening
of locking mechanism 80. As locking mechanism 80 pivots about hinge
98, tooth 108 slides into upper member 82 where it will "click"
when fully engaged. This provides an audible indication as well as
tactile feedback that locking mechanism 80 is locked into
place.
FIGS. 16-17 illustrate various views of another embodiment of an
infant chair 210. Visible in FIGS. 16 and 17 is a removable
slipcover 212 that entirely surrounds the internal frame. FIG. 17
illustrates a bottom view where the bottom of the slipcover 212 has
been removed in order to view frame 214.
Slipcover 212 has a curved back 216, two curved side arms 218 and
220, and a seat 222, as well as an exterior 224 and an interior 226
(see FIG. 17). The interior 226 includes a slotted region 228 that
extends along the curved arms 218, 220 and curved back 216 to
receive the frame 214. By inserting frame 214 into slotted region
228, seat 222 of slipcover 212 essentially hangs or is suspended
from frame 214. Further, slipcover 212 may be constructed by sewing
several pieces of fabric together into the desired shape. Slits,
openings or the like may be provided to facilitate placement of
slipcover 212 over frame 214. Further, a bottom periphery 230 of
slipcover 212 may optionally include an elastic or other material
that constricts to help hold the slipcover 212 to frame 214. In one
embodiment, the bottom of the slipcover 212 may have an outer
periphery that is about the same or smaller than the frame. One or
more slits may be included to provide flaps at the bottom end to
facilitate stretching of the slipcover about the frame. Once over
the frame, the tight fit helps to prevent it from slipping from the
frame.
A safety belt 232 or other type of harness or strap arrangement may
be used to help hold the infant within the chair. This arrangement
may be fixed at various locations, such as a two point or three
point harness, to ensure the baby remains seated within the
chair.
Chair 210 may further include a horn 234 that is formed as a raised
region that fits between the infants legs. Horn 234 serves various
functions, including helping to hold the infant within the chair as
well as to serve as a platform for holding other items, such as a
tray or toys.
A variety of materials may be used to construct slipcover 212, such
as a wipeable fabric that allows for easy cleaning of spills or
other food. In some cases, slipcover 212 may be constructed of a
washable fabric to permit the entire slipcover to be washed in a
sink, washer or the like. Further, a padding or fill material may
be incorporated into slipcover 212 to give it a comfortable and
luxuriant feel. Other materials that could be incorporated into
slipcover 212 include visco elastic materials, foamed materials,
loosely arranged fibers, and the like. The use of these materials
in combination with frame 214 provides a comfortable sitting
arrangement for the infant.
As best shown in FIG. 17, a support 240 may be positioned beneath
seat 222 to provide additional support to the chair. Support 240
may comprise any generally rigid material, such as a fiberboard,
masonite, wood, plastic (corrugated, fluted or the like), a
composite, and the like, and may be covered in fabric. Support 240
may be U-shaped in geometry, with the outer edges outlining slot
228 and the inner edges outlining horn 234. As described
hereinafter, the horn may be formed as part of frame 214 and fit
within a fabric dome on slipcover 212 in order to form horn 234. As
an alternative, a stiff or hard material could be included within
slipcover 212 in order to form the horn. Support 240 may be
permanently connected to or incorporated within slipcover 212 or
may be removably attached.
A panel (not shown) may be placed across bottom periphery 230 to
prevent access into the interior 226. The panel may be removably
attached, such as with a fastener (e.g. a zipper, hook and loop
fastener material, buttons, and the like) so that the user can
easily gain access into interior 226 when needing to disassemble
chair 210 as described hereinafter.
Chair 210 may optionally include securing straps (not shown) that
may be coupled to slipcover 212 or frame 214 and used to help
secure chair 210 to another object, such as to an adult chair. For
example, straps could be provided that extend around the seat of a
chair as well as the back of a chair so that chair 210 functions as
a booster seat. The bottom panel may be constructed of a non-skid
fabric or include a non-stick material to help prevent chair 210
from moving along a support surface.
Shown in FIG. 18 is a process for removing slipcover 212 from frame
214. As previously described, a bottom panel may be removed or
loosened so that bottom periphery 230 may be stretched and lifted
over frame 214. Slits in slipcover 212 help to lift it over the
bottom of frame 214. Once bottom periphery 230 is disengaged from
frame 214, slipcover 212 may be lifted up and off of frame 214.
Because slipcover 212 is constructed primarily from fabric, it may
easily be folded into a compact arrangement for storage or
transport.
Frame 214 is further illustrated in FIGS. 19-22. Frame 214 may be
constructed from a seat portion 250 and a base portion 252. These
two components may be pivotally connected to each other at hinge
locations 254 and 256 and a locking mechanism 258 may be operated
to permit frame 214 to be moved from the expanded position of FIG.
19 to the collapsed position of FIG. 22. The components used to
construct frame 214 may comprise curved elongate members that
define an outer shape of the chair. For example, frame 214 may be
constructed of rigid tubing, rods or the like. Materials such as
steel, metal, plastic or the like may be used. These elongate
members may be constructed in various segments and connected
together, or formed as a continuous piece. For instance, base
portion 252 may be constructed of two pieces of steel tubing that
are jointed at locking mechanism 258. In a similar manner, seat
portion 250 may be constructed from two pieces of steel tubing that
are joined at an opposite end of locking mechanism 258. Optionally,
padding 260 may be placed onto various portions of frame 214 to
provide a more comfortable chair.
As previously described, horn 234 may be constructed in a variety
of ways. One way is to include a horn member 270 on frame 214. For
example, horn member 270 may be coupled to base portion 252 and may
comprise a molded plastic or foam, with an optional skin. In this
way, horn member 270 will fit within the fabric dome of slipcover
212 so as to form the shape of horn 234. In some cases, the fabric
forming horn 234 may include slits (or be removed altogether) to
facilitate attaching various items to horn member 270. For
instance, a tray may be coupled to horn member 270 and be
positioned above the infant's lap. Horn member 270 may include
various coupling arrangements to permit the tray to be removably
attached to chair 210. As one example, horn member 270 could
include slots, tracks, or the like to permit a connecting portion
of the tray to slide into the slots or tracks. This coupling
arrangement may also permit the tray to slide in and out relative
to the infant's torso to enable to position of the tray to be
adjusted. Further, the tray itself could include a height
adjustment feature to adjust the height of the tray relative to the
seat.
Locking mechanism 258 may be constructed of a base 280 that is
connected to base portion 252. Base 180 may be constructed of a
hard plastic, such as Delrin, and include a though hole 282 for
receiving a tube 284. A spring loaded detent 286 is coupled to tube
284 and is received within an opening 288 in base 280 when in the
expanded position. Detent 286 serves to lock tube 284 in an upright
orientation to hold frame 214 in the expanded position.
When ready to move frame 214 to the collapsed position, detent 286
is pressed into opening 288 until it can pass lengthwise through
though hole 282 as shown in FIG. 21. In so doing, tube 284 slides
through base 280 and seat portion 250 pivots relative to base
portion 252 as the frame 214 begins to collapse. FIG. 22
illustrates frame 214 in the fully collapsed position. To move
frame 214 back to the expanded position, seat portion 250 is simply
lifted while holding base portion 252 until detent 286 pops through
opening 288. In this way, the chair may be assembled simply by
manipulating the frame until locked into the extended position and
then placing the slipcover over the frame. When needed, such as
when travelling or storing the chair, the slipcover is removed from
the frame and the locking mechanism is operated to permit the frame
to be placed in the collapsed position. In many cases, the
slipcover may remain over the frame while the chair is placed in
the collapsed position. Once access is gained to the locking
mechanism, the chair (with slipcover) may be collapsed.
FIGS. 23-25 illustrate another embodiment of a chair 300 that is
constructed of a frame 302. Although shown without a slipcover, it
will be appreciated that a slipcover similar to those described
herein may be placed over frame 302. Further, one embodiment of a
slipcover that may be used will be described in connection with
FIGS. 26-27. Frame 302 comprises a seat portion 304 and a base
portion 306 that may be connected to each other at hinges 308 and
310. A locking mechanism 312 extends between seat portion 304 and
base portion 306 and permits frame 302 to be moved from the
expanded position of FIG. 24 to the collapsed position of FIG. 25.
Locking mechanism 312 comprises an upper member 313 that is
rotatably connected to seat portion 304 of frame 302 and a lower
member 314 that is rotatably connected to base member 306. A spring
loaded member 315 is set within lower member 314 and is configured
to fit within an opening in upper member 313 when in the frame is
in the expanded position of FIG. 24. A latch 316 is operated to
pull spring loaded member 315 within lower member 314 when the
frame 302 is to be moved to the collapsed position. When latch 316
is pulled, spring loaded member 315 moves out of upper member 313
and within lower member 314 and permits upper member 313 and lower
member 314 to pivot about a hinge 317. As this happens, upper
member 313 rotates about seat portion and lower member 314 rotates
about base portion 306, permitting seat portion 304 and base
portion 306 to move close to each other in the collapsed position
show in FIG. 25.
To move frame 302 back to the expanded position, seat portion 304
is lifted upward while holding base portion 306 until spring loaded
member 315 slides within the opening in upper member 313. To
facilitate this movement, spring loaded member 315 may have an
angled upper end. When fully within upper member 313, spring loaded
member 315 is locked into place to lock frame 302 in the expanded
position.
Chair 300 may further include a horn 318 for holding a tray 320.
Horn 318 may be constructed of a moldable plastic and may include a
resilient skin on its exterior surface. Tray 320 is removably
attached to horn 318 to permit tray 320 to be removed when not
needed, such as when placing an infant into the chair or collapsing
the frame. To facilitate easy removal (and to provide adjustability
as to the position of tray 320), horn 318 may include a set of
tracks 322 on opposing sides of horn 318 (see FIG. 23). Tracks 322
form a slot on either side of horn 318 for receiving a protrusion
on tray 320. In this way, tray 320 may be coupled to the chair
simply by aligning the protrusions on the tray with the slots
defined by tracks 322 and sliding the tray 320 along tracks 322.
When a slipcover is placed over frame 302, the slipcover may
include one or more openings or slots so that tray 320 may easily
be coupled to horn 318. Further, in some cases, horn 318 may be
entirely exposed (with the slipcover having an opening through
which horn 318 extends). Or, the slipcover could also cover horn
318.
The position of tray 320 relative to the chair's seat may be
adjustable by allowing tray 320 to be locked into place at various
positions along tracks 322. Further, tray 320 could have a base 324
that is adjustable in length. As another option, tray 320 could be
adjustably coupled to base 324 so that the position of tray 320
relative to base 324 could be adjusted.
Referring now to FIGS. 26-27, another embodiment of a chair 400
will be described. As shown in FIG. 30, chair 400 includes frame
302 as described in connection with FIGS. 23-25. Chair 400 is
constructed of a slipcover 402 that includes a curved back 416, two
curved side arms 418, 420 and a seat 422. Slipcover 402 further
includes a bottom 330 that is constructed of a skirt 432 and a
front flap 434. As shown in FIG. 30, skirt 432 is configured to
extend about base portion 306 while front flap 434 extends over
seat portion 304. Skirt 432 and flap 434 may optionally include an
elastic to permit them to be securely fastened about frame 302.
Hidden from view is a bottom panel that extends across the bottom
of slipcover 402.
The interior of slipcover 402 includes a slotted region that
permits seat portion 304 to extend into back 416 and arms 418, 420.
Further, a rigid material may be placed beneath seat 422. Extending
up from seat 422 is a canopy 440 that is configured to fit over
horn 318. Canopy 440 includes a front opening so that tracks 322
may be accessed when attaching tray 320 (see FIG. 31).
A safety harness 450 may be used to secure the infant within seat
422. Harness 450 has three attachment points, with a center strap
452 that fits between the infant's legs. A release button 454 is
pushed to permit center strap 452 to release one or both side
straps 456, 458 to allow the infant to be inserted into harness
450.
Slipcover 402 may be constructed of materials and used in a manner
similar to the other embodiments described herein. For example,
slipcover 402 may easily be removed from frame 302 for cleaning,
transport or storage. Further, slipcover 402 could include its own
horn so a horn would not need to be incorporated into the
frame.
The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of
clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that
certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope
of the appended claims.
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